Hated for Believing in Christ

Hated for Believing in Christ

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. – John 15:18

1 Peter 4:12-16

 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

 13 Instead, be glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

Watchman Nee

Watchman Nee was born Ni Tuosheng in China on November 4, 1903. He was one of the most influential Christian leaders and writers of the 20th century. Raised in a devout Christian family, his mother, Lin He-Ping, was a fervent believer who played a significant role in shaping his early spiritual foundation. Despite his Christian upbringing, Nee did not initially embrace the faith.

Nee’s life took a dramatic turn in the spring of 1920 when he attended a revival meeting led by the renowned evangelist Dora Yu. At the age of 17, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. According to Nee’s own account, the evening of April 28, 1920, became a pivotal moment in his life.

Wrestling with God

Alone in his room, he wrestled with the decision to accept Christ. As he prayed, he became deeply aware of his sins and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. Nee was overwhelmed by His love and grace. In his own words, “I visualized the Lord’s hands stretched out on the cross; they seemed to be welcoming me, and the Lord was saying, ‘I am waiting here to receive you.’”

“Realizing the effectiveness of Christ’s blood in cleansing my sins and being overwhelmed by such love, I accepted Him there. Previously, I had laughed at people who had accepted Jesus, but that evening the experience became real for me, and I wept and confessed my sins, seeking the Lord’s forgiveness.”

“As I made my first prayer, I knew joy and peace such as I had never known before. Light seemed to flood the room, and I said to the Lord, ‘Oh, Lord, you have indeed been gracious to me’.”  

Foundational Teachings and Ministry

Following his commitment to Christ, Watchman Nee immersed himself in the study of the Bible and Christian literature. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Plymouth Brethren, which emphasized the authority of Scripture, the priesthood of all believers, and the simplicity of church gatherings. From these teachings, Nee adopted essential principles, including the plurality of elders, the centrality of the Lord’s Supper in worship, and the rejection of a hierarchical distinction between clergy and laity.

In 1922, Nee began holding church meetings in Fuzhou, which are considered the foundation of the local church movement. Over his thirty-year ministry, he established churches throughout China and organized conferences to train Bible students and church workers.

Watchman Nee was a prolific writer, and his books and sermons have had a lasting impact on Christians worldwide. Some of his most notable works include:

• The Normal Christian Life: A foundational book that examines the believer’s identification with Christ in His death and resurrection.
• Sit, Walk, Stand: A concise yet insightful study of the book of Ephesians, emphasizing the believer’s position in Christ, their walk in the world, and their stand against spiritual opposition.
• The Spiritual Man: An in-depth work on the three-part nature of humanity, spirit, soul, and body, and the believer’s journey toward spiritual maturity.

Persecution and Imprisonment

The rise of the Chinese Communist Party in 1949 brought significant challenges to Watchman Nee and his ministry. The Communist regime viewed Christianity as a threat to its ideology and sought to suppress religious activities. Nee’s bold proclamation of the gospel and his leadership of the local church movement made him a target of intense persecution.

In 1952, Nee was arrested on charges of “counter-revolutionary activities” and accused of leading an “anti-revolutionary sect.” Despite the harsh treatment he endured, Nee remained steadfast in his faith. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but his imprisonment extended far beyond that. During his incarceration, he was subjected to severe conditions, including isolation and forced labor. The Communist authorities sought to break his spirit and force him to renounce his faith, but Nee’s unwavering commitment to Christ remained unshaken.

Final Words

For two decades, Watchman Nee endured imprisonment, separated from his family and fellow believers. His letters and notes from prison reveal a man who, despite immense suffering, continued to trust in God’s sovereignty and grace. His final words, written on a piece of paper found under his pillow after his death on May 30, 1972, encapsulate his unyielding faith: “Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief in Christ.”

REFLECT & PRAY

There is nothing odd about being at odds with the world. It is perfectly normal.

Father, thank You for reminding us that this world is not our final home. Instead, we look forward to being with You with your Forever Family in the heavenly places.

INSIGHT

Living at Odds with the World

A profound tension exists between the world and the Father, along with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Father’s profound love for the world is demonstrated by His decision to send His Son to atone for humanity’s sins. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

However, the world’s response to this love is often one of hatred. The world despises the Father and the Son.  The world hates the very name of Jesus Christ.

This hostility extends to the children of the King. The world also hates us. As followers of Christ, we shouldn’t be surprised when we are misunderstood, disliked, or mistreated. The Apostle Peter, in his first letter to the Jews for Jesus, articulated a vital truth: enduring suffering for one’s faith is not uncommon or extraordinary, but rather a normal part of our spiritual journey to maturity.

1 Peter 4:12-13 reminds us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing.”

Following in the Footsteps of Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ, as the Father’s Suffering Servant, set the ultimate example of enduring persecution for the sake of truth. When we suffer for our faith, we are following in His footsteps. The standards and values of the world often conflict with those of God’s children, creating tension and hostility. Christians are called to uphold moral standards that challenge the world’s conscience, which can sometimes lead to resentment. As Barclay observed, “The very goodness of Christianity can be an offense to a world in which goodness is regarded as a handicap.”

Watchman Nee: A Modern Example of Persecution

Watchman Nee’s unwavering dedication to the gospel ultimately led to his imprisonment and, ultimately, his death. Nee, a faithful servant of Christ, was condemned for his consistent proclamation of the truth. His conviction echoes the trial of Jesus Christ, who was also judged and condemned for speaking the truth. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and challenges involved in discipleship.

Mark 14:61-64 recounts this moment:

“Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’
Jesus said, ‘I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.’
Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, ‘Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?’
‘Guilty!’ they all cried. ‘He deserves to die!’”

Overcoming the World Through Christ

Despite the challenges children of the King face, the Lord Jesus Christ offers hope and confidence. John 16:33 declares, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Charles Stanley asks, How could Jesus, on the verge of crucifixion, claim to have overcome the world?  Stanley answers. “Jesus overcame the world by obeying His Father despite all challenges and opposition.”

In the same way, we are called to be overcomers. Revelation 3:21 promises, “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Waiting for the Return of Christ

The blessed hope for children of the King is in the return of Jesus Christ. Although the wait might seem long, God’s timing is perfect. What feels like a long wait to us is not seen the same way by God, since He does not measure time the way we do. During these seasons of waiting, we are called to trust His eternal perspective and to let our trials shape us. These experiences provide avenues for growth, enhance our faith, and deepen our reliance on Him.

Conclusion

Living at odds with the world is an inherent part of the Christian life. As children of the King, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution and rejection. Our hope lies in the victory of Christ, who has overcome the world, and in the promise of His return, when we will dwell with Him in eternal glory. John 14:2-3 assures us, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

Watchman Nee’s life stood as a testament to unwavering faith and devotion to Christ. His teachings and writings continue to inspire Christians worldwide, reminding believers of the cost of discipleship and the eternal hope found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Living in a world that often opposes our beliefs is a fundamental part of the Christian journey. As followers of Christ, we must remain firm in our faith despite challenges and rejection, trusting in His victory and the promise of eternal life with Him. Watchman Nee exemplified this unwavering faith, enduring intense persecution even unto death. “I die because of my belief in Christ.”

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© Dr. H 2025